On a recent episode of his podcast, Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. delved into the ongoing debate surrounding NASCAR’s playoff system, a format that has faced criticism from fans and insiders alike. This discussion was sparked after Joey Logano’s victory at Phoenix secured him his third Cup championship, even though he ranked 15th in the regular season.
Responding to comments from NASCAR analysts Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi on The Teardown, Earnhardt Jr. questioned whether it felt justified for a driver with such a position in the standings to ultimately take the championship. Comparing it to the NFL, he pointed out that no one calls for a system change if a wildcard team with a modest record manages to win the Super Bowl. However, he added that while he doesn’t favor the current format, he would prefer NASCAR to return to its traditional approach with no playoffs and a season-long points race.
Dale Jr.’s co-host then brought up remarks by NASCAR’s Steve O’Donnell, who hinted at the possibility of re-evaluating the playoff structure, potentially introducing a multi-race final round instead of the single-race championship event. Dale Jr. expressed doubt that NASCAR would take significant steps in this direction, seeing O’Donnell’s comments as a way for NASCAR to keep the door open, especially if fan backlash escalates.
Earnhardt Jr., a self-described traditionalist, shared that he values the original method of determining the champion by consistently performing well over an entire season. However, he acknowledged that the playoff system brings intense drama and memorable moments. While the current format might not align with his traditional views, he recognized that it’s effective in drawing fan attention, even if he personally finds it imperfect.
Reflecting on NASCAR’s history of format changes, he suggested that the quest for a “perfect” championship format is likely never-ending. Although he prefers a structure with a larger sample size to crown the champion, he remains open to changes, expressing that he wouldn’t be disappointed if NASCAR made adjustments—or if it chose to keep the current format. Ultimately, Dale Jr. conveyed a sense of ambivalence, understanding that while he doesn’t have all the answers, his ideal format would focus on season-long consistency rather than a playoff finale.
